The Complex Trauma Podcast

Have you ever thought extensively about the implications of weight loss surgery?

Our cohost Laura Gordon, a therapist with extensive lived experience, sheds light on this often misunderstood journey. As someone who's been through it all, Laura opens up about her personal journey and the impact it has had on her life, body image, and relationship with food. We navigate through the world of diet culture, its financial aspects, and its potential consequences on an individual's physical and mental health.

Weight-loss surgery is no easy decision. The risks involved, the physical and emotional toll it can take on a person's life, and the potential for new iterations of eating disorders are all explored in this episode.  

Laura discusses the complex relationship between body image, fat phobia, and the medical industry. We also dive into the reality of maintaining weight loss, often through eating disorder behaviors that are normalized by our culture.

Beyond the surgery, the aftermath can pose its own set of challenges and complications. We discuss the potential side effects such as alcohol dependence, increased eating disorder symptoms, and the difficulty of sustaining weight loss. We also navigate through the impact of "lifestyle changes" and the grief that comes when the desired results aren't achieved. 

This episode is a deep dive into the realities of weight loss surgery, aiming to shed light and offer support to those considering this path, those who are struggling with disordered eating, those who have regained weight following weight loss surgery, or those struggling with body image issues.

Check out Laura's blog series here:

Part 1: https://www.sarahherstichlcsw.com/blog/one-womans-journey-through-weight-loss-surgery
Part 2: https://www.sarahherstichlcsw.com/blog/eating-disorders-and-weight-loss-surgeries
Part 3: https://www.sarahherstichlcsw.com/blog/part-3-bariatric-surgery-pennsylvania

Thanks for listening to The Complex Trauma Podcast!

Be sure to follow, share and give us a review on your favorite podcast platform.

Follow on Instagram: @sarahherstichlcsw 

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Learn more about EMDR & trauma therapy in Pennsylvania with Reclaim Therapy

This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical, psychological, or nutritional advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Remember, I'm a therapist, but I'm not your therapist. Nothing in this podcast is meant to replace actual therapy or treatment. If you're in crisis or things feel really unsafe right now, please reach out to someone. You can call 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, text them, or head to your nearest ER.

The views expressed by the host and guests are their own and do not represent the opinions of any organizations or institutions. Reliance on any information provided by this podcast is solely at your own risk.

Step into a world where boundaries can transform the way you care for yourself.

In this episode we begin by shedding light on Prentice Hemphill's thought-provoking definition of boundaries as the distance at which one can love oneself and another simultaneously. We tackle the challenging but critical aspect of implementing boundaries, and how it's a fine line between self-care and selfishness, steering clear of the misconception that setting limits is an act of negligence towards others.

Join Sarah and Abby we navigate the terrain of setting boundaries in relationships, discussing the intriguing concept of internal and external boundaries.

We dive into the complications that arise when explicit communication isn't possible and how to adjust our boundaries in the face of these challenges.

The conversation doesn't stop at setting external boundaries; we turn the spotlight on the importance of checking in with ourselves after setting a boundary and making them flexible. Listen in and discover how boundary setting isn't just about saying 'no,' but also a declaration of our worthiness and a testament to our self-respect.

Tune in to this discussion that promises to change the way you perceive and set your boundaries.

Thanks for listening to The Complex Trauma Podcast!

Be sure to follow, share and give us a review on your favorite podcast platform.

Follow on Instagram: @sarahherstichlcsw 

Follow on TikTok: @sarahherstichlcsw

Learn more about EMDR & trauma therapy in Pennsylvania with Reclaim Therapy

This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical, psychological, or nutritional advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Remember, I'm a therapist, but I'm not your therapist. Nothing in this podcast is meant to replace actual therapy or treatment. If you're in crisis or things feel really unsafe right now, please reach out to someone. You can call 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, text them, or head to your nearest ER.

The views expressed by the host and guests are their own and do not represent the opinions of any organizations or institutions. Reliance on any information provided by this podcast is solely at your own risk.

Have you ever felt like you've lost touch with your true self after experiencing trauma, disordered eating, or body shame? Join Sarah and Casey as we share our personal journeys and insights on how to reclaim your authenticity amidst the influences of diet culture, disordered eating, and trauma.

We'll discuss the importance of building trust in ourselves, finding joy and passion in life, what gets in the way of it all, and the necessity of self-compassion and understanding every step of the way.

Feeling an existential crisis creeping up? Consider it an invitation to pause and check in with yourself.

Tune in as we explore how to rely on ourselves in a healthy way, manage expectations, and break free from people-pleasing habits to come back to yourself. 

Plus, learn how values work can help you make sense of your relationships and motivations in this empowering conversation.

And, be sure to check out our merch on our website!

Thanks for listening to The Complex Trauma Podcast!

Be sure to follow, share and give us a review on your favorite podcast platform.

Follow on Instagram: @sarahherstichlcsw 

Follow on TikTok: @sarahherstichlcsw

Learn more about EMDR & trauma therapy in Pennsylvania with Reclaim Therapy

This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical, psychological, or nutritional advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Remember, I'm a therapist, but I'm not your therapist. Nothing in this podcast is meant to replace actual therapy or treatment. If you're in crisis or things feel really unsafe right now, please reach out to someone. You can call 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, text them, or head to your nearest ER.

The views expressed by the host and guests are their own and do not represent the opinions of any organizations or institutions. Reliance on any information provided by this podcast is solely at your own risk.

Are you tired of feeling defeated by impossible, unrealistic body standards perpetuated by diet culture and the media? Join therapists from Reclaim Therapy, Sarah and Emily, to tackle body image and body dysmorphia head-on. We'll uncover how shame and self-doubt can creep in as we struggle with these issues and explore how therapy can guide us to better understand and manage our feelings.

Discover the intersection of body dysmorphia and disordered eating as we delve into our fears of not being accepted and our desire for control. Together with Emily, we'll discuss the importance of developing self-awareness, breaking free from the cycle of shame, and embracing compassionate ways to meet our needs. Learn how to avoid body-checking and work towards overcoming feelings of defeat.

In our conversation, we also highlight the significance of connecting with others and minimizing body checking to work through deeply regulating rituals. Learn methods to disrupt these rituals while still feeling okay and understand that body image extends beyond the physical to our values, interests, and uniqueness. Lastly, we touch on the challenges of practicing acceptance and managing triggers as we navigate a culture that often fuels our frustrations.

Thanks for listening to The Complex Trauma Podcast!

Be sure to follow, share and give us a review on your favorite podcast platform.

Follow on Instagram: @sarahherstichlcsw 

Follow on TikTok: @sarahherstichlcsw

Learn more about EMDR & trauma therapy in Pennsylvania with Reclaim Therapy

This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical, psychological, or nutritional advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Remember, I'm a therapist, but I'm not your therapist. Nothing in this podcast is meant to replace actual therapy or treatment. If you're in crisis or things feel really unsafe right now, please reach out to someone. You can call 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, text them, or head to your nearest ER.

The views expressed by the host and guests are their own and do not represent the opinions of any organizations or institutions. Reliance on any information provided by this podcast is solely at your own risk.

What if you could better understand the intricate dynamics of mother-daughter relationships and how they shape our self-esteem, body image, and even our career paths? Join us in this heartfelt conversation with Laura as we shed light on this complex topic and explore the power of healing these relationships. We also discuss the importance of recognizing the biases in research and literature on this matter, and the need to include more diverse voices in the conversation.

Navigating boundaries in mother-daughter relationships can be challenging, but we tackle this topic head-on, emphasizing the significance of creating space for individuality while honoring each other's wishes and needs. We explore how expectations can impact our relationships and the importance of deciphering what is genuinely an expectation from a mother and what is an interpretation by the daughter. Additionally, we face the difficulty of setting boundaries and the fear of what it could mean for the relationship.

As we dive deeper into the mother-daughter relationship, we discuss the benefits of processing underlying emotions in a safe space, such as with a third-party therapist, and how this can create an environment for both parties to be heard and understood. We explore the idea of grief and acceptance, and how it can help both mother and daughter come to terms with the evolving nature of their relationship. By reflecting on our own experiences as mothers and daughters, we uncover how understanding each other can help heal wounds from the past and foster a stronger bond moving forward.

Thanks for listening to The Complex Trauma Podcast!

Be sure to follow, share and give us a review on your favorite podcast platform.

Follow on Instagram: @sarahherstichlcsw 

Follow on TikTok: @sarahherstichlcsw

Learn more about EMDR & trauma therapy in Pennsylvania with Reclaim Therapy

This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical, psychological, or nutritional advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Remember, I'm a therapist, but I'm not your therapist. Nothing in this podcast is meant to replace actual therapy or treatment. If you're in crisis or things feel really unsafe right now, please reach out to someone. You can call 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, text them, or head to your nearest ER.

The views expressed by the host and guests are their own and do not represent the opinions of any organizations or institutions. Reliance on any information provided by this podcast is solely at your own risk.

Have you ever found yourself obsessing over the "cleanliness" and "purity" of your food choices? You might be experiencing orthorexia - an intense fixation on healthy eating that can consume our thoughts and lives. Join Sarah and Abby, as we share about orthorexia and explore how this obsession can leave us feeling exhausted and isolated.

We'll discuss the differences between orthorexia and other eating disorders such as anorexia, and how orthorexia's focus on healthy eating and rigid food rules can impact our cognitive functioning and emotion regulation. If you're questioning whether you're struggling with orthorexic tendencies, we'll provide helpful tips and insights on navigating these food rules and finding the support you need. 

Remember, you're not alone - and discovering a healthier relationship with food might just align better with your values.

Thanks for listening to The Complex Trauma Podcast!

Be sure to follow, share and give us a review on your favorite podcast platform.

Follow on Instagram: @sarahherstichlcsw 

Follow on TikTok: @sarahherstichlcsw

Learn more about EMDR & trauma therapy in Pennsylvania with Reclaim Therapy

This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical, psychological, or nutritional advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Remember, I'm a therapist, but I'm not your therapist. Nothing in this podcast is meant to replace actual therapy or treatment. If you're in crisis or things feel really unsafe right now, please reach out to someone. You can call 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, text them, or head to your nearest ER.

The views expressed by the host and guests are their own and do not represent the opinions of any organizations or institutions. Reliance on any information provided by this podcast is solely at your own risk.

Welcome back to Reclaim You!

In this powerful episode, your hosts Sarah and Casey dive deep into the intricate connections between grief, trauma, and eating disorders. Join us as we explore the experiences that intertwine these struggles and the often complex journey of recovery.

Throughout the episode Casey dives into the experience of grief, how it shows up throughout recovery from trauma and disordered eating, and how to care for yourself through it.

For more about grief and recovery from disordered eating, check out this blog post. 

Thanks for listening to The Complex Trauma Podcast!

Be sure to follow, share and give us a review on your favorite podcast platform.

Follow on Instagram: @sarahherstichlcsw 

Follow on TikTok: @sarahherstichlcsw

Learn more about EMDR & trauma therapy in Pennsylvania with Reclaim Therapy

This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical, psychological, or nutritional advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Remember, I'm a therapist, but I'm not your therapist. Nothing in this podcast is meant to replace actual therapy or treatment. If you're in crisis or things feel really unsafe right now, please reach out to someone. You can call 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, text them, or head to your nearest ER.

The views expressed by the host and guests are their own and do not represent the opinions of any organizations or institutions. Reliance on any information provided by this podcast is solely at your own risk.

Welcome back to the Reclaim You podcast with Reclaim Therapy! 

We hope this is an unfiltered and uplifting episode that empowers you to rise above the suffocating grip of diet culture. We've been diving deep into the covert ways diet culture infiltrates our lives, but now it's time to ignite the flame of hope inside of you. In this episode, Sarah, alongside Reclaim Therapist, Emily Cinque, lead the charge in reclaiming your life from the clutches of diet culture. 

First up, Emily dives into the transformative power of resiliency and its crucial role in breaking free from the shackles of diet culture. Discover how tapping into your inner strength can help you navigate the rocky path towards self-acceptance and body liberation

As we navigate the treacherous waters of media and social media, Emily spills the tea on essential strategies for consumption. Learn how to dodge the misleading diet trends, body shaming influencers, and the never-ending parade of perfectly photoshopped images. It's time to curate your media feed like the boss of your life that you are and reclaim what you allow into your brainspace.

But hey, we get it—it's not easy to untangle yourself from the web of diet culture. When that lightbulb moment hits and you realize the harm it has caused, the Reclaim Therapy team has your back. Emily shares self-care strategies to help you heal and nurture yourself as you come to terms with the toxic beliefs and behaviors ingrained by diet culture.

So, buckle up, Reclaim community, and get ready to reclaim your power, your confidence, and your unique and wonderful self. 

It's time to defy diet culture, embrace self-love, and march towards a life that is authentically and unapologetically yours. Together, let's reclaim you and rewrite the narrative of your beautiful existence.

Thanks for listening to The Complex Trauma Podcast!

Be sure to follow, share and give us a review on your favorite podcast platform.

Follow on Instagram: @sarahherstichlcsw 

Follow on TikTok: @sarahherstichlcsw

Learn more about EMDR & trauma therapy in Pennsylvania with Reclaim Therapy

This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical, psychological, or nutritional advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Remember, I'm a therapist, but I'm not your therapist. Nothing in this podcast is meant to replace actual therapy or treatment. If you're in crisis or things feel really unsafe right now, please reach out to someone. You can call 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, text them, or head to your nearest ER.

The views expressed by the host and guests are their own and do not represent the opinions of any organizations or institutions. Reliance on any information provided by this podcast is solely at your own risk.

Join us for another episode of the Reclaim You podcast! Today Sarah and Laura delve into the insidious and disconnecting ways in which diet culture infiltrates our lives. Laura guides us through an illuminating discussion on the impact of diet culture on our well-being and how we can start reclaim and turn toward ourselves.

To kickstart the episode, Laura shares her personal understanding of the phrase "Reclaim You" and its profound significance both in her own life and in her work with clients.

As the conversation unfolds Laura reflects on her initial encounter with the concept of diet culture and shares what stood out the most during her learning process. Sarah and Laura peel back the layers to expose the sneaky ways in which diet culture manifests in our everyday lives, often disguising harmful beliefs and behaviors as "normal" or desirable.

Empowering listeners to differentiate between self-care and diet culture, Laura offers valuable insights on how to recognize and challenge the influence of diet culture on our beliefs and behaviors. By reconnecting with our own wisdom, we can distinguish between practices that truly nourish our well-being and those that perpetuate harmful norms.

To end the episode, Sarah and Laura explore how our disconnection from ourselves, our values, and various aspects of our lives is intertwined with the pervasive influence of diet culture. They shed light on the profound impact this disconnection has on our relationship with food, the development of eating disorders or disordered eating, and our overall well-being.

Tune in as we unravel the complexities of diet culture and learn how to reclaim our true selves, foster self-compassion, and establish a healthier relationship with our bodies and food. Together, let's dismantle the insidious influence of diet culture and embark on a journey reconnection and liberation.

To learn more about Reclaim Therapy and how to work with a therapist on the team, head to www.reclaimtherapy.org !

Check out Laura's Blog:

Size Inclusivity: More Than A Number

Thanks for listening to The Complex Trauma Podcast!

Be sure to follow, share and give us a review on your favorite podcast platform.

Follow on Instagram: @sarahherstichlcsw 

Follow on TikTok: @sarahherstichlcsw

Learn more about EMDR & trauma therapy in Pennsylvania with Reclaim Therapy

This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical, psychological, or nutritional advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Remember, I'm a therapist, but I'm not your therapist. Nothing in this podcast is meant to replace actual therapy or treatment. If you're in crisis or things feel really unsafe right now, please reach out to someone. You can call 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, text them, or head to your nearest ER.

The views expressed by the host and guests are their own and do not represent the opinions of any organizations or institutions. Reliance on any information provided by this podcast is solely at your own risk.

On this episode of Reclaim You, eating disorder and body image specialist, Abby Albright, joins Sarah to chat about the impact that diet culture has on our sense of self, body image, how we view health and wellness and how we are able to connect and care for ourselves.

Abby kicks off the show talking about what Reclaim You means to her and what it means in her work with clients. From there, the conversation turns to an exploration of the impact of diet culture on all of us, with Abby sharing what stands out to her the most.

Throughout the episode, Abby highlights the many ways that exposure to diet culture's messages can create ripples in our lives, from our relationship with food to our sense of self. She explores the impact of diet culture on body image concerns, as well as how its messages impact people's relationship with health and wellness.

As the episode progresses, Abby and Sarah look at the impact diet culture has on people's sense of self and how it can be challenging to distinguish between beliefs and behaviors that are based in self-care versus those that are based on diet culture's expectations or beliefs.

Abby offers some parting thoughts on this important topic, reminding us that recognizing the impact of diet culture is an important part of reclaiming ourselves in the face of disordered eating and body image concerns. 

Join us as we explore the impact of diet culture and learn how to move towards a more connected and self-caring relationship with our bodies, food, and ourselves.

To learn more about the Reclaim Therapy team, be sure to visit our website at www.reclaimtherapy.org 

We'd love for you to review, like and subscribe to the podcast and check us out on YouTube. 

Let's dive in!

Thanks for listening to The Complex Trauma Podcast!

Be sure to follow, share and give us a review on your favorite podcast platform.

Follow on Instagram: @sarahherstichlcsw 

Follow on TikTok: @sarahherstichlcsw

Learn more about EMDR & trauma therapy in Pennsylvania with Reclaim Therapy

This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical, psychological, or nutritional advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Remember, I'm a therapist, but I'm not your therapist. Nothing in this podcast is meant to replace actual therapy or treatment. If you're in crisis or things feel really unsafe right now, please reach out to someone. You can call 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, text them, or head to your nearest ER.

The views expressed by the host and guests are their own and do not represent the opinions of any organizations or institutions. Reliance on any information provided by this podcast is solely at your own risk.